Turkey frying has become increasingly popular in the past several years, but it can also be very dangerous.

White Lake Fire Chief Tony Maltese is warning consumers to use extreme caution when preparing their holiday meals in a deep fryer.

Oil from the fryer can splash onto a burner -- causing a fire. The deep fryer units could also tip over, spilling the scalding oil onto someone or something.

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Many of these fryers also do not have a thermostat, which can cause the oil to get too hot and catch fire.

The Bureau of Fire Services urges consumers to use cooking equipment that has been tested and approved by a recognized testing facility.

The No. 1 thing you should not do is leave the fryer unattended, as unattended cooking is the cause of most residential fires.

For those who still plan to fry their turkey this Thanksgiving, fire officials say using the fryer outdoors is best, however never use them in a garage or on a deck. It should only be used on a flat surface to avoid tipping.

Using well-insulated pot holders can help prevent burns when touching the lid or pot. If possible, wearing goggles is encouraged to prevent oil from splattering into eyes.

It is important to never let children or pets near the fryer, as they can be burned even hours after use.

Users should be careful not to overfill the fryer to avoid a hot oil spill. It can also spill over if the turkey is not completely thawed because water and oil do not make a good combination and could cause for an explosion or fire.